Author News! David Ray, Secrets Behind Closed Doors Media Opportunities
David Ray, author of Secrets Behind Closed Doors, has four upcoming media events.
October 1, 2009 Radio interviews
- WRBE-AM, Host, Larry Shirley, 6:20am Central
- WAOY, Host, Ron Meyers, 6:00pm Central
Book Signing October 3, 2009 10:00 am to 2:00pm Central
David will be signing books at the Changed Heart Creations bookstore in Lucedale, Mississippi.
October 6, 2009 Radio Interview
- KAGC, Host, Keith Kane, 11:00 am Central
Contact Notation Printing & Marketing Group for your marketing and promotional needs.
Tweet This!What Problem Does Your Book Solve?
In last Monday’s marketing post, we discussed:
- zeroing in on what your message offers the reader
- the importance of articulating the benefits in your back cover copy and other sales materials
To emphasize this step in another way, let’s ask the question: What problem are you solving for your reader?
Readers are tired of trite, superficial answers to life’s challenges. As a Christian writer, you can offer a real and enduring solution for the trials of this life.
What are you helping your reader to overcome?
- Depression?
- Loneliness?
- Unforgiveness?
- Anger?
- Betrayal or infidelity?
- Fear of the future?
- Grief over the loss of a loved one?
Make sure you use this information in the back cover copy and sales material so your potential readers will relate based on their needs and see that you may have some answers for them.
Let us take this one step further.
How are you helping your reader overcome? Are you giving them worldly advice, or His wisdom?
Share your thoughts in the Comments area.
The Importance of First Impressions in Book Publicity
By Abigail Davidson
Have you heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”?
That is true, especially in the world of media.
Have you ever seen how the media attacks the elite on everything from whether they’re wearing make-up, to what coffee shop they just left?
Realistically, most authors aren’t going to hit celebrity status overnight. However, one thing we can learn from the celebrities is that people do pay attention to our appearance.
This doesn’t mean you need a makeover, but it does mean two things:
- Put your best into your message, both inside and out
- Stay true to yourself and your message; don’t compromise
Keeping those guidelines in mind, here are some practical ways to both act and look professional when promoting your book.
Professional Photo
It can be casual or formal, but keep it professional. Make sure you cater to your audience. If your book is a comedy book, you may look silly in a suit. If you’re trying to relate to a professional or academic audience, I’d suggest more than jeans and a t-shirt. Take the time and spend the money to take a great picture you’re comfortable with and has the feel you desire for your message.
Professional Media Materials
Along with your professional photo you will need a professional media kit. By professional I don’t mean fancy. It needs to be well-written and designed. Media are busy people; they need a great hook, tight writing, and an eye-catching presentation. Don’t skimp in this area.
Professional Attitude
An unprofessional author slaps her book on the counter at the local bookstore and insists that the manager stock her book and schedule an event. A professional author plans ahead to show the bookstore manager the local demand for the book, has an event idea that will bring traffic to the store, and gently leaves a book, a professional media kit, and a hand-written note for future correspondence.
While WinePress can’t give you an attitude, or snap your photo (unless you happen to live in Enumclaw), we can 
provide great media kits in our Start Up Package that can help any of our new authors make a good first impression.
Abigail Davidson has worked with WinePress Publishing since February of 2005, promoting WinePress authors through radio, television, print and Internet.
She also works closely with other WinePress staff on advertising and marketing to help WinePress authors build a publicity campaign that makes sense for their unique needs.
Tweet This!Where to Find Prospective Buyers for Your Book
Part 3 of 3
Now that we have covered the who and the what, it is time to look at the WHERE!
Where are you going to find prospective buyers?
The more specific your targeted readership is, the easier it will be to find events where they might gather. Whether it be in cyberspace, or in a physical locale, people who share similar interests or challenges tend to gather on a regular basis. This is good news for you if your book is a resource that will meet their needs!
Online
- Targeted Web sites and blogs
- Nings (custom social networks)
- Message boards/e-mail groups
- Forums
- Opt-in newsletters
Offline
- Support groups
- Seminars and conferences
- Conventions (annual, regional, etc.)
- Civic groups
- Churches
- Monthly membership meetings
- Christian workers conferences
- Christian Education conventions
Start brainstorming with others who know your message well and come up with your own list of places you might be able to find those who need to hear your message.
Tweet This!The Credibility of an Edit
By Mike Owens
“No, sir, I don’t need editing. I’ve spent ten years working on this manuscript and I’ve given it to all of my friends to read.”
I’ve heard this statement on numerous occasions, and have always turned the conversation around as soon as possible. Although many publishers will publish books without requiring editing, editing is a fundamental part of getting into print.
If I had spent 10 years working on a book, scanning every detail to make the book the best I can, I would certainly not neglect to get it professionally edited.
Is An Edit For Me?
Yes, every author needs to have an edit for his or her book. Whether you’re a first-time author or a famous, multi-published author, an edit is crucial.
Can I Skip the Edit?
I strongly recommend that you don’t. The reader’s first impression might be their only impression. If you skip the edit, book sales (or rather, lack of them) can be devastating.
Where Do I Find A Good Editor?
Anyone can promote themselves as an editor, whether they’re a high school student or a math major. The question remains: Where can I get a professional edit? Start by asking your publisher if they have editors on staff. If not, ask for their list of recommended editors. If a publisher tries to dissuade you from an edit, run away, fast.
What Do I Do After an Edit?
The next step would be to find a suitable publisher. I recommend purchasing Christian Writers’ Market Guide 2009
Before looking for a publisher, research the sales probability of your book and determine whether a royalty publisher 
would accept the material, or whether your needs would be better served with a subsidiary publisher.
Mike Owens is a Solutions Advisor for Pleasant Word. He aims to find the best publishing fit for new and seasoned authors. As well as helping begin the publishing process, Mike helps within the marketing and publicity aspects of the production process.
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